About 60 4H members from a dozen area clubs competed against each other at the Red River Area Communication event Saturday in Morden. The annual event sees youth to adult members square off by writing and performing speeches ranging in length and category.

Philip Fenez, president for the Red River Area, says it's fascinating to see the participants, particularly the kids, develop their skills over the years.

"You'll see somebody come in that's age six or eight and they're really nervous shaking their papers and their topics are about their dog or family vacation, and then as they go on and get into the intermediate or senior level suddenly they are the leaders of tomorrow," he said.

Fenez adds over time the kids are able to take on a topic, explain it and carry it forward. For example, he says there's a participant out of Westman that is now talking to the federal government about law changes.

Winners from Saturday's event move on to provincials, which take place April 18th in Winnipeg.